Dr. Leanna Duckworth, Director & Veterinarian

“Approach every situation with kindness, compassion and understanding. The ability to be this way is what is so wonderful about being human and it is our responsibility to use our abilities with great care.”

As a child, I felt sad and helpless whenever I came across a sick or injured animal because I didn’t know how to help them. I vowed, when I grew up, I would learn to heal animals. It was a passion that grew in me as I got older and that is why I ended up becoming a vet. Whether it is through preventative health care, aiding an emergency, or comfortably helping an old friend over the Rainbow Bridge with peace and dignity, I know I am making a difference every day. I want each and every client and patient that comes through our door to be happy to see us and know we understand it can be stressful when our companions are sick. We all have pets too and we treat each pet as if they were our own. As I have gotten older, I have really developed a passion for working with scared animals and I, along with my well trained staff, have had amazing success at turning fearful visits into happy ones along the way.

From the age of 12, Leanna worked in veterinary hospitals; first as a volunteer, then as an assistant, and she proceeded to work every position a hospital had to offer for a non-veterinarian. Throughout university she continued to work in clinics and graduated with her B.Sc. (Hons) in 1997. In 2002, she graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and earned a Masters in Leadership at the University of Guelph in 2017. Dr. Duckworth was first a locum at BAH in 2013 and purchased the practice in 2015. She continually seeks further training and education in all aspects of her career so that she may provide the excellence in care she feels all veterinary professionals should strive to achieve. Her passions, aside from the above include: staff management, geriatric medicine, ultrasound and more natural approaches to health where appropriate.

When not at the clinic, she shares her life with her incredible husband, two amazing boys that are taller than her now, a spunky cat she adopted from the humane society named Blackberry, and her beautiful fox red Lab Phoenix.

Dr. Christiane Orsini, Part-Time Veterinary Associate

Dr. Orsini became fascinated with animals at a very young age.  Her passion for animals has blessed her with amazing opportunities for learning and service, including: volunteer work in Brisbane, Australia; Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi; comparative orthopedic research at Mount Sinai hospital in Toronto; "One Health" remote work with Vets Without Borders [Ukraine and Vietnam projects];  offering mentorship for veterinary students and, more recently, practicing telemedicine including speaking engagements at veterinary conferences regionally and nationally.

She graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2014 with a primary focus on companion animal medicine. She has experience in both general practice and emergency medicine, specializing in canine and feline medical care. Early in her career, Dr. Christiane has dedicated herself to integrative veterinary medicine. She believes in the body's inherent ability to heal itself and she is passionate about treatment modalities that support the body during this healing process.

She thrives on a holistic-based medical approach for all of her treatment plans for her patients. Offering more solutions for pets and pet parents enhancing quality of life (physically and mentally) and maximizing the human-animal bond between pet parents and their animal family members. She has a keen interest in: acupuncture/acupressure, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine [TCVM] including Chinese herbal medicine and tui-na massage, Western herbal medicine, aromatherapy, nutrition, rehabilitation and energy medicine. She has a zest for learning and is certified in veterinary acupuncture, with formal training in Chinese herbal medicine and integrative canine rehabilitation. 

She loves spending time with her family, friends and of course, her pets! She also has a passion for writing poetry and composing music; as well as sports, yoga, meditation and traveling.

She is so grateful to be a part of this profession and is honoured to dedicate her career to providing healthcare for pets and to improve the veterinary-client-patient relationship.

Dr. Orsini joined BAH in August of 2025 and has quickly become a cheerful driving force in the practice. Her joy for medicine and enthusiasm and love for her patients is contagious! She says joining the amazing veterinary team at Breslau Animal Hospital is a dream come true! Dr. Orsini is so grateful to return to clinical work providing "hands-on" healing. She looks forward to helping your pets heal!

Dr. Harsh Thaker, Restricted License Veterinarian - CPE Candidate

“Honesty and prevention is better than a cure.”

Dr. Thaker has just given us word he will be joining us permanently. He has been such a great addition to the team. His kind, gentle nature and strong desire to make every pet’s life better fits in with our team’s philosophy in every way! Currently, he is training under Dr. Duckworth with a “Restricted License” as he prepares to take the nine-part Clinical Proficiency Exam (CPE). Once completed, he will be able to practice as a veterinarian independently in Ontario. He has already passed his NAVLE (North-American Veterinary Licensing Exam) and the College of Veterinarians of Ontario’s Jurisprudence Exam. The CPE is the final step. BAH has been a place of teaching vet students, veterinary technicians, volunteers and students since Dr. Duckworth purchased the hospital in 2015, and we are extremely excited to help Dr. Thaker in this process.

Dr. Thaker ‘s love for animals began at a very young age and that love inspired him to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine. His goal with every patient visit is to provide compassion and a thorough and individualized care while ensuring both the pets and their owners feel comfortable. Dr. Thaker’s kind nature has already helped him fit into BAH and the pets respond to him like he has always been here.

Dr. Thaker shares his home with his wife and son. His parents still reside in India, where he is from. He has worked hard to move to Canada and quickly became a resident. In addition, he passed the NAVLE licensing exam within 6 months of coming to Canada, one of the hardest exams any vet will take. Welcome to BAH Dr. Thaker!

Amanda, VP of Administration

“Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.”

Amanda joined the BAH family in August of 2024 and fit right in immediately. She brings both business experience and experience in a few different veterinary clinic environments with her. Amanda has a big heart full of love for all pets, and is just one of the smiling faces you’ll be greeted by when you come to see us. She is always eagerly learning new things, pitching in to help anyone who needs it and is constantly soaking up information to be able to assist you and your fur-babies best! She has recently moved into a new role in the hospital and will be in charge of teaching some of our new team members at BAH as well as helping Dr. Duckworth with the running of the practice. BAH is growing!

When she is not at work with us, Amanda shares her home with her lovable fluffball of a dog Moose, and her two cats Minnow and Mya, both gorgeous long haired queens. When she is not brushing her menagerie or vacuuming behind them; she enjoys spending free time outdoors, DIY projects around the house, and spending time with family.

Natalie, Registered Veterinary Technician (Maternity Leave)

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened"

Natalie has been with BAH since January of 2023 and hasn’t looked back! She is an excellent RVT and a valued member of the BAH team. She is never afraid to take on the biggest jobs. Her love for the job shines every day. She became an RVT because of her love and passion for helping animals. She grew up on a farm and was always surrounded by all sorts of animals. She enrolled in the University of Guelph - Ridgetown Campus for Veterinary Technology and has been working in the field since graduating in 2013. You will see her playing a vital role in many aspects of the clinic from surgical monitoring, to appointments, assisting the veterinarians, and everything in between.

Her goal for every patient is to be the best advocate for their health and wellbeing while treating them all with love, patience and care. 

When not at work, Natalie enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her husband and two boys that keep her running! She also enjoys going on long walks/hikes, park trips and travelling with her family. Although her home is currently busy enough with her 2 boys and her newest addition of a little girl! She takes on caring for all her family’s pets handling care and any questions they may bring her. Natalie is currently on Maternity Leave but we cannot wait until she is back with us!

Owen, Veterinary Assistant/IT Specialist

“Everyday is better if you learn something.”

Owen joined BAH in May of 2021. He came from a place of not knowing anything about veterinary medicine but he loved animals and he loved learning, and learn and he did! He soaked up every bit of information that came his way and is now one of the “go-to” people on the team! He feels the job at BAH has provided him with an opportunity to learn new things every day. He loves the versatility and surprises that working in vet med brings!

Owen’s goal is to always make pets feel comfortable and safe during their appointment with us. A relationship with their vet family can be as important as the love they receive at home.

Owen shares his life with his mom and dad. He is currently enrolled in university with aspirations to go to med school. He will take the MCATS soon. While we will be sorry to lose him one day, he has promised to keep working with us as long as he can! We are so proud of him and support his career choice 100% (even if it isn’t veterinary medicine!).

Maria, Veterinary Receptionist and Assistant

“Better late than never.”

Maria joined BAH in March of 2024. The day of her first interview, she helped with a cat’s C-section and helped revive a kitten. Since then we have loved working alongside her. She brings kindness and professionalism to her position every day and we are so proud of her, especially since she was admitted to the Ontario Veterinary College in the fall of 2026! She graduates in 2030!

Maria works mostly on Saturdays but also spends time helping her parents in the family business and works with wild raptors in her spare time.

Rishlyn, Veterinary Receptionist and Assistant

“Be kind to everything that lives.”

Rishlyn started as a volunteer with us in October of 2025. By May of 2026 she became a full team member and we have never looked back! Rishlyn brings with her an ever-positive and kind attitude towards all things. She has always loved animals and is passionate to help them in any way she can. At home in the Philippines, she would be so sad to see all the stray animals. She told herself that one day, through education, experience and volunteer work, she would be able to make a positive difference in the lives of animals in need. She strives every day to be the voice for those who can’t speak.

Rishlyn’s goal is to ensure comfortability for every patient. She wants them to see someone they can be familiar with and works to build those relationships every day.

Rishlyn shares her home with her mom, step-dad, brother and a cute puppy named Patch. The rest of her family still resides in the Philippines. Rishlyn is bound for vet school and we have no doubt she will get there!

Shant, Veterinary Assistant

Shant started with us in May of 2026 as a volunteer. From his first day, he jumped in with both feet! His passion for veterinary medicine was evident right out of the gate. By August 2026 we offered him a position. He has quickly become an integral part of the team and we love working with him.

Shant aims to learn everything he can about veterinary medicine. He wants to be a vet one day and we have no doubt he will achieve that goal. Welcome Abord Shant!